In preparing a priority list for capital outlay funding to be ultimately determined next year by the state legislature, members of the Las Cruces City Council are putting an emphasis on housing projects.
One of those projects is the Paseos Verdes housing development, which will go up near the corner of Colorado Avenue and South Campo Street. That affordable housing project will see the building of 218 units geared primarily for seniors, veterans, and the local workforce.
The city hopes to secure up to $1.3 million in capital outlay funding for the project once lawmakers officially begin the 2025 legislative session on January 22. That funding would be in time for the anticipated first phase work on the project set to begin in January of 2026.
Las Cruces also hopes that lawmakers will approve around $3 million for the Amador Crossing housing project, set to be built on the campus of the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope. The project is expected to include up to 50 units for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
Other projects making the Las Cruces wish list: work on the sports fields and play areas at the East Mesa Recreation Complex, located at 5589 Porter Drive, which may secure up to $5.9 million in capital outlay funding; and the renovation and expansion of the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library at 200 E. Picacho Avenue, for which the city is asking $5.6 million from lawmakers.
Las Cruces additionally wants to secure some $4.6 million for the building of sidewalks, shade structures, lighting, and bike facilities; along with $2.4 million in new lighting for the city’s various parks.
In reviewing the list with member of the council, Larry Horran, a lobbyist for the City of Las Cruces, cautioned council members that nothing is certain in any legislative session except when it will begin and when it will end.
“We don’t know what the legislation is going to look like; there are different alternatives for tackling some of these issues,” he remarked, “and legislation changes from when its first introduced until it makes it through the legislature.”
Next year’s winter session will be a brief one, with a scheduled end date of March 22.
December 19, 2024
By Garry Boulard
